Definition of attrition

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< attrit

Attu >

at·tri·tion    (-trshn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A rubbing away or wearing down by friction.
2. A gradual diminution in number or strength because of constant stress.
3. A gradual, natural reduction in membership or personnel, as through retirement, resignation, or death.
4. Repentance for sin motivated by fear of punishment rather than by love of God.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English attricioun, regret, breaking, from Old French attrition, abrasion, from Late Latin attrti, attrtin-, act of rubbing against, from Latin attrtus, past participle of atterere, to rub against : ad-, against ; see ad- + terere, to rub; see ter-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
at·trition·al(Adjective)